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Clover catches up in the second half of the season

White and red clover has been a fixed ingredient in the ration of...

White and red clover has been a fixed ingredient in the ration of dairy farmer Anton van der Hoog from Enspijk for years. “The main reasons I sow clover are for nitrogen fixation and the improved palatability". The second half of the season is his best period for the bank balance. “The plants I cut are then placed fresh in front of the feed fence. I’ve noticed that cows select the clover first, because it tastes better. During this period, they eat around 1 kg more of dry matter. The protein content in the milk rises, and yields increase by 10 percent during this time".

Better availability of phosphate with grass and clover

Sowing grass/clover mixtures makes better use of phosphate in the...

Sowing grass/clover mixtures makes better use of phosphate in the soil, says researcher Wiepie Haagsma of Praktijkonderzoek Plant & Omgeving (Applied Plant Research, PPO) in Lelystad. In this interview, she gives her views on organic matter, monocultures and active soil life.

Reduce the cost of milk by 1 eurocent with clover

The cost of producing milk can be reduced by using clover in a...

The cost of producing milk can be reduced by using clover in a meadow. Clover is an excellent alternative to administering expensive nitrogen. This is because of the clover plant’s nitrogen fixation properties and its ability, in conjunction with Rhizobium bacteria, to convert this into nitrogen that benefits grass. In turn, the grass provides extra protein.

Tips for a successful grass-clover meadow

Cut the plot short before sowing the clover, so that grass needs...

Cut the plot short before sowing the clover, so that grass needs more time for regrowth. Sow the clover seed shallowly (3 mm) in the short-cut plot with a weeding harrow or Vredo. If there are lots of bare patches in the meadow, it’s a good idea to add 10 kg of grass seed for the best results.

Clover increases protein content and grass yield

Using clover and cutting at the right time are the two most...

Using clover and cutting at the right time are the two most important factors to ensure high grass yields with excellent protein content. Even with the extremely strict fertilisation rules, 14 tonnes of dry matter per hectare with 16% protein is achievable.